Hiring the right candidate is only part of the recruitment journey. The period between a candidate accepting an offer and their first day (commonly their notice period) can be surprisingly delicate. For new hires, this is often a time of mixed emotions: excitement about a new opportunity, nostalgia or apprehension about leaving their current role, and sometimes uncertainty about what awaits them in their new team. For employers, it’s a crucial window to nurture engagement and ensure the candidate arrives on day one motivated and committed.
Even the most enthusiastic new hire can be vulnerable during this period. If they are as talented as you believe, chances are they were courted by other organisations as well. It is likely that they are still be maintaining relationships with their current team and managing expectations with colleagues and managers. New employers who initiate thoughtful, measured contact during the notice period demonstrate that the new hire’s choice was right and that their arrival is genuinely anticipated.
Maintaining contact doesn’t mean overwhelming the candidate. Small gestures can be highly effective. For example, inviting them to a team night out, if one is scheduled and appropriate, provides an informal way to start forming human connections with future colleagues. Some clients arrange a lunch halfway through the notice period, giving the new hire an opportunity to ask questions and get to know key team members in a relaxed environment. Others simply maintain regular, light touchpoints: a quick call or email to remind them how much the team is looking forward to their start, share updates about preparations for their first day, or provide insight into upcoming projects they’ll be involved with.
The aim is to strike the right balance: enough engagement to keep the candidate feeling valued and included, without making them feel pressured. Thoughtful communication during this transitional period can significantly improve onboarding success, boost early productivity, and reinforce that your organisation is a place where people are welcomed, supported, and appreciated from day one. Ultimately, staying connected during the notice period is a small investment that pays substantial dividends in employee engagement and retention.
